GARETH SOUTHGATE is expected to ring the changes for England’s Nations League clash with Belgium at Wembley tomorrow.
The Three Lions boss fielded an experimental XI for Thursday’s friendly win over Wales but big guns including Harry Kane and Jordan Henderson are likely to return against Roberto Martinez’s side.
England’s likely XI vs Belgium
Despite calls for Nick Pope to retain his place in goal given Jordan Pickford’s shaky Everton form, Southgate is expected to stay loyal to the Toffees’ stopper and reinstate him.
The five-man defence worked well vs Wales and the same system will likely be utilised against Belgium’s dangerous attack which includes Kevin De Bruyne and Romelu Lukaku.
Trent Alexander-Arnold will take the right back or wing-back spot – depending on the system – with Kieran Trippier on the opposite flank.
Harry Maguire should be recalled at centre-back alongside Joe Gomez and after impressing with a goal and a clean sheet on Thursday, Wolves’ Conor Coady could slot in at the middle of the three.
If Southgate does not hand Coady his first competitive Three Lions start, Tottenham’s Eric Dier is expected to play.
Jordan Henderson and West Ham’s Declan Rice are shoe-ins in England’s best starting XI and Southgate decision to opt for 5-2-3 or 4-3-3 will dictate whether they play alone or with Dier.
The front-three virtually picks itself now Jadon Sancho is back in contention after breaking coronavirus rules with Ben Chilwell and Tammy Abraham.
Borussia Dortmund’s star winger should play wide-right with Harry Kane leading the line in place of Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Gareth Southgate could surprise people with his selection
And new MBE Marcus Rashford is expected to take the left-wing slot in place of Thursday’s man-of-the-match Jack Grealish.
The Aston Villa man could be a surprise inclusion after he shone against Wales but Southgate is expected to stay loyal to Manchester United’s social superstar Rashford.
England vs Belgium kicks off at 5pm on Sunday night.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
